First and foremost, if this is posted in the wrong location, I sincerely apologize...

Okay, so I've been reading over threads on this site the past couple of days and today I registered so I could finally break the ice and maybe get some advice/suggestions/recommendations from those of you who know about snakes. I was long set on the idea I wanted a bearded dragon and one thing lead to another and before I knew it, I was reading articles about "why ball pythons are better than bearded dragons". To each their own, I know different strokes for different folks, but the more I read, the more I think a bp and I would get along better than a dragon and I.

I guess first I should say I do not own any snakes, or reptiles for that matter and never have. I have a dog and a cat, a wife, a 7yr old son, and I grow bonsai trees (so I understand humidity ;-) ). lol.

So, I've got the idea in my head that I believe I want a ball python. Keep in mind, I was afraid of snakes growing up, and have never had a lot of interaction with them, aside from holding a few at a pet store a few times in my life. I don't have a phobia of them, and don't mind them when I see them first, but if I catch one on my boot while hunting, you'll likely see me move quickly at first.

Why do I want a snake? Well... They are beautiful for one. I know I'm not going to die from a bite, that helps a little... and I have always been intrigued and mesmerized by them. This breed seems to be pretty docile and the fact that it won't require me adding on to my house to make it a home is another good point.

I've been reading a lot of "care guides" and recommendations for enclosures, and pricing all of the required setup costs. It seems that is the biggest expense aside from some rare or unforeseeable vet costs. Am I accurate with that assumption?

So, being that I am completely 100% new, I have a few questions that I have yet to find answers to... here is where I would greatly appreciate the advice of veteran BP owners or others that are knowledgeable on the topics.

1. Enclosure - Half of what I read says aquarium type is okay if you cover the top to keep humidity in, others say PVC is the way to go. Is one really superior?
2. I only have a few places locally that sell snakes. Petco, and a little place that doesn't keep the cages of their stock very clean, so I don't feel the snakes are very well cared for. I have seen much prettier and cheaper snakes online at breeder's websites. Do these snakes handle the shipping process okay, or should I stick with something local? There is a nearby reptile expo coming up this weekend that I hope to check out... maybe I'll luck out there.
3. Cost - I can't say that I have a set amount of money to spend, but at the same time, I don't want to spend $700 if I could have gotten something just as practical for $300, in terms of an enclosure/accessories/supplies. PVCCages seem to be pretty nice... like their T8, I believe it was, but it's only 12" high... does that make it hard to access the snake or clean?
4. I saw a bit of conflicting facts on light requirements for the BP's. Some say if the heat is sufficient, no extra light is needed unless you want it for display purposes. I like the LED's to light up the cage. Is additional UV lighting required BP's?
5. Substrait - It looks like a lot of people just use paper... like from a big roll of butcher's paper or brown craft paper that you can buy by the roll. Is that really all you need in the bottom of the cage or is something like reptile cage carpet better?


I know that is a lot of questions, and if anyone can help with any of them, the wiser I will be. I'm old enough to know that I don't know anything, so any knowledge is welcome.

Just in case you want to know, I think the piebald's and Mojave's are gorgeous.

Again, thank you,
Jason